Wildland Firefighter (Suppression Module Squad Leader)

US Office of the Secretary of the Interior; Miles City (MT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The US Office of the Secretary of the Interior seeks a Direct-Hire Wildland Firefighter (Suppression Module Squad Leader) in Miles City, Montana. This primary firefighter role requires meeting NWCG qualifications and IFPM standards, with on-the-line fire experience and ability to operate specialized tools and equipment in forest/range environments.

Applicants must provide documentation per MEA rules, meet age limits, and be prepared for arduous field conditions, including backcountry living and

Qualifications

• At least one year of specialized experience in wildland fire control, prevention, or suppression on-the-line projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Fire Science/Fire Technology or related field, or equivalent experience, with transcripts if applicable.
• Meet IFPM NWCG requirements (FFT1 and S-290) as described in the vacancy.
• AGE MEA: must be under 37 at appointment unless veteran or prior federal service; provide required documents.

Skills

Wildland firefighting

On-the-line experience

Fire tools & equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Science/Fire Technology

Tools

Fire tools & equipment

Job description

This is a Direct-Hire advertisement. Veterans preference is not applicable to this advertisement. Learn more about this authority at: Direct Hire Authority

This Wildland Firefighter (Suppression Module Squad Leader) position is with the US Wildland Fire Service, GW-0456-5/6/7 working in the following location(s):

• Miles City, Montana

In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification requirements listed below.

Selective Placement Factor(s)

1. This position is a Primary Firefighter position and is subject to a maximum entry age (MEA). The MEA is the date immediately preceding your 37th birthday. Applicants must not have reached age 37 at the time of appointment, unless proof is provided of prior Federal service in another primary covered position, or you are a preference eligible veteran. If you are a preference eligible veteran, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must supply a copy of your Defense Department Form 214 (DD-214) along with Standard Form 15 (if applicable) and any associated documentation in accordance with the instructions in this vacancy announcement. Failure to provide this documentation with your application may result in loss of consideration. Please refer to the Required Documents section for further guidance on what documentation is required to meet this requirement. If over the MEA and you are not a veteran, proof of prior covered service must be submitted prior to employment. Acceptable proof consists of SF-50s showing beginning and ending dates of covered/creditable appointments and copies of approved letters based on individual claims.

2. Requirement for the GW-06 and GW-07 grade levels ONLY - This position has been identified as one of the key fire management positions under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard. This position has been categorized as a Senior Firefighter, and requires selectee to meet the minimum qualification standards for IFPM prior to being placed into the position. Detailed information regarding IFPM positions can be found here: Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM). To meet IFPM requirements, you must have possessed all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered eligible for this position (currency not required at time of referral, but may be required to obtain and maintain currency if selected):

A.) Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1); AND B.) Intermediate Fire Behavior (S-290)

If selected at the GW-05 - must meet the IFPM training requirements above for the GW-06 as a condition of employment before being eligible for promotion to the GW-06.

In addition to the requirements described above, the following additional experience is required.

Only experience and education obtained by 10/27/2026 will be considered.

Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. Please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

Minimum Qualification

For the GW-05 level:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-04 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, is required. Examples of specialized experience include: on-the-line wildland fire experience in forest/range fire control, prevention, or suppression work as a skilled wildland firefighter, utilizing a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.

-OR- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study (120 semester hour or 180 quarter hours) leading to a bachelor's degree with a major study in Fire Science, Fire Technology or other related fields of study (e.g.: Forestry, Range Management, Agriculture, Fire suppression and Prevention). Transcripts must be attached to application package if qualifying based on education.

-OR- An equivalent combination of experience and education. Transcripts must be attached to application package.

For the GW-06 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-05 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, is required. Examples of specialized experience include: experience serving as a senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire module or crew with on-the-line wildland fire experience in fire control, prevention or suppression work; and utilizing and maintaining a variety of specialized wildland fire tools and equipment.

For the GW-07 level: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GW-06 level, or higher, in the Federal service, or equivalent, is required. Examples of specialized experience include: experience serving as a lead wildland firefighter on a wildland fire module or crew with on-the-line wildland fire experience in fire control, prevention or suppression; utilizing and maintaining specialized wildland fire equipment; and assisting with analyzing and predicting fire behavior when responding to wildland fire incidents.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

*Applicants must meet all selective placement factors and minimum qualification requirements for the position of interest by the closing date of the Job Announcement.

This position is covered by the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8336 (c) and 5 U.S.C. 8412 (d) as a Primary/Rigorous Firefighter. Applicants must be 18 years of age but not have reached their 37th birthday by the closing date of this announcement. These positions are covered by the special enhanced annuity retirement provisions for Federal Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers and have a mandatory retirement age of 57. Two exceptions are allowed: 1) an applicant has prior Federal service in documented special retirement covered position(s) sufficient to count toward 20 years of covered service on or before the mandatory retirement age of 57; or 2) an applicant is a qualified veterans' preference eligible, in which case the MEA is waived and their corresponding retirement age may be higher than 57 after completing 20 years of service. Applicants must submit proof of their previous and/or current status in the Fire Fighter or Law Enforcement special enhanced annuity retirement system.

Physical Demands: The work of this position requires arduous exertion for protracted periods of time such as, but not limited to, extensive running, walking, climbing, kneeling, stooping, pulling hoses, jumping and twisting, prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: This position is expected to work in forest, range, and desert environments in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, covered with thick tangled vegetation, smoky conditions, etc. Temperatures commonly exceed 100 degrees F and may fall below freezing. Risks include smoke inhalation, fire entrapment, snake or insect bites and stings, exposure to excessive machinery noise, and falling and rolling material. Firefighters may be required to live in backcountry camps for extended periods of time.